Intel has confirmed that more than 20 Windows 8 tablets are on the way, which makes for a promising mobile device launch for Microsoft's next version of its popular operating system.

Intel has confirmed that more than 20 Windows 8 tablets are on the way, which makes for a promising mobile device launch for Microsoft's next version of its popular operating system.

The chip giant's CEO, Paul Otellini, said that the company is “tracking more than 20 Windows 8 tablet designs based on our low-power and low-cost Clover Trail Atom SOC, in addition to a number of Core-based tablets.”

Intel will be competing with ARM, the firm powering the Windows RT tablets, which will likely take up a larger share of the market, thanks to their lower price tags. However, Microsoft is not leaving Intel out of the picture, embracing the Core i5 processor for the “Pro” version of its own-branded Surface tablet, which should come in at around the same price as an Ultrabook.

Otellini also said that there are over 140 Ivy Bridge-based Ultrabooks on the horizon, ensuring Intel's dominance in a variety of mobile fields. He expects to see $699 Intel-powered Ultrabooks in Autumn.